Punjab Police have arrested nine individuals, including four juveniles, for operating two ISI-backed terror modules. Authorities foiled a planned attack at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar during recent student protests. The investigation also uncovered surveillance activities targeting railway tracks and security personnel, highlighting ongoing efforts to disrupt cross-border terror networks.
The Punjab Police announced on Wednesday the successful dismantling of two cross-border terror modules, which officials say were backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The operation led to the arrest of nine individuals, including four juveniles, and the seizure of illegal weapons and explosives.
Investigations revealed that members of one module had plotted to carry out an attack at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar during recent student protests surrounding the NEET examinations. According to law enforcement officials, the suspects had traveled to the protest site with logistical support and materials, including petrol bombs, intended for use in an attack. However, the plan was abandoned due to the presence of heavy security at the venue.
Beyond the attempted plot in Delhi, the investigation uncovered a broader network engaged in surveillance and anti-national activities. The modules were reportedly tasking individuals with conducting reconnaissance on sensitive security establishments, uniformed personnel, and railway tracks in and around Amritsar. The suspects were also accused of filming videos of these installations to share with foreign-based handlers. The use of juveniles in these operations and the funneling of funds through hawala channels remain key areas of the ongoing investigation.
The Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, described the bust as a significant security breakthrough. Recoveries from the operation included three illegal pistols, four petrol bottle bombs, and nine live cartridges. While the immediate threat to the Jantar Mantar site was neutralized, the case highlights the persistent security challenges regarding the exploitation of local unrest and the recruitment of youth by external elements.
The police are currently focusing on mapping the forward and backward linkages of these modules to identify further collaborators involved in the funding and direction of these activities. This operation remains part of a wider effort by Indian security agencies to monitor and prevent cross-border influence and internal security disruptions.